Mechanics 1 (PAPER 4)

CHAPTER 5 : Connected Particles

SUPPORTING MATERIAL

EXAMPLES

1. A car towing a trailer travels along a horizontal straight road. The car has mass 1500 kg and the trailer has
mass 500 kg. The resistance to motion is 80 N on the car and 20 N on the trailer. The driving force produced
by the engine of the car is 360 N. Find the tension in the tow-bar.
[M1 book; Worked Example 5.1; Page 110]

2. A car towing a trailer travels along a horizontal straight road. The car has mass 1500 kg and the trailer has
mass 500 kg. The resistance to motion is 80 N on the car and 20 N on the trailer. The driver applies the
brakes, so the driving force is replaced by a braking force of 100 N opposing the forward motion.
(a) Find the force in the tow-bar.

The car then descends a hill at 3° to the horizontal. The resistances and braking force are unchanged.

(b) Find the new force in the tow-bar.

[M1 book; Worked Example 5.2; Page 111]

3. A car of mass 900 kg tows a caravan of mass 500 kg against resistance totaling 700 N. The resistance on the
car and the caravan are proportional to their masses in other words the resistances are k × their masses where k
is a constant. The car is accelerating at 0.8 ms-2 along a horizontal road. By modeling the car and the caravan
as a pair of connected particles, find the driving force exerted by the engine and the tension in the tow-bar.

4. A car is towing a trailer along a straight horizontal road by means of a horizontal tow-bar. The resistances to
the motion of the car and the trailer are proportional to their masses. We assume that the tow-bar is
inextensible. The mass of the car is 1400 kg and the mass of the trailer is 700 kg. The driving force of the
engine of the car is 2380 N and the total resistance of the system is 910 N.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the motion of the car and the trailer.
b) Find the acceleration of the car.
c) Find the resistance to the motion of the car and the trailer separately.
d) Find the tension in the tow-bar.
When the car and trailer are moving at 12 ms-1, the tow-bar breaks, if the forces and assumptions are
unchanged:
e) Find the distance moved by the car in the first 4 seconds after the tow-bar breaks.
f) Find the distance moved by the trailer before it comes to rest.

5. A model train consists of an engine (locomotive) coupled to a chain of four trucks. The coupling between the
engine and the first truck and each coupling between trucks are modeled as rigid rods. The train is moving on
a straight horizontal track. The engine has mass 0.8 kg and each truck has mass 0.2 kg when empty. The
resistance to motion is 0.06 N on the engine and 0.01 N on each truck. The driving force produced by the
engine is 3 N.
(a) A mass of 0.1 kg is placed in each truck. Find the tension in each coupling.
(b) Find the tension in each coupling if, instead, the 0.4 kg is all placed in the last truck.
[M1 book; Worked Example 5.3; Page 112]

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6. A tractor is connected to a trailer by a rigid, light bar. The tractor has mass 10 000 kg and the trailer has mass
2000 kg. The tractor and trailer are moving along a straight horizontal road. The tractor engine produces a
driving force of 400 N. The resistance on the tractor is 40 N and the resistance on the trailer can be ignored.
Find the tension in the bar.
[M1 book; Ex 5A; No. 1]

7. A car of mass 1200 kg tows a trailer of mass 300 kg. The car and trailer travel along a straight horizontal
section of road. The engine of the car produces a driving force of 400 N. The car experiences a resistance of
150 N and the trailer experiences a resistance of 100 N.
a) Find the acceleration of the car and trailer.
b) Find the tension in the tow-bar.
[M1 book; Ex 5A; No. 2]

8. A truck of mass 2000 kg tows a trailer of mass 800 kg. The engine of the truck produces a driving force of
300 N. A resistance of 120 N acts on the truck and a resistance of 40 N acts on the trailer. The truck and trailer
are moving along a straight horizontal road and initially the trailer is empty.
a) Find the tension in the tow-bar when the trailer is empty.
A load of mass 1200 kg is then added to the trailer, which increases the resistance on the trailer to 80 N. The
forces on the truck are unchanged. The truck and trailer return along the same straight horizontal road.

b) Find the tension in the tow-bar when the trailer carries this load.
[M1 book; Ex 5A; No. 4]

9. A car of mass 800 kg pulls a trailer of mass 200 kg through a straight horizontal road using a light tow bar
which is parallel to the road. The horizontal resistances to motion of the car and the trailer have magnitudes
400 N and 200 N respectively. The engine of the car produces a constant horizontal driving force on the car of
magnitude 1200 N. Find:
a) the acceleration of the car and the trailer.
b) the magnitude of the tension in the tow bar.
The car is moving along the road when the driver sees a hazard ahead. He reduces the force produced by the
engine to zero and applies the brakes. The brakes produce a force on the car of magnitude F newtons and the
car and the trailer decelerate. Given that the resistances to motion are unchanged and the magnitude of the
thrust in the tow bar is 100 N.
c) Find the value of F.
[a. a = 0.6; b. T = 320; c. F = 400]

10. For the case below, find the:

(i) Force equation for both particles
(ii) Tension on the string and acceleration for both particles

11. Two bricks P and Q, each of mass 5 kg, are connected by a light inextensible string. Brick P is held at rest and
Q hangs freely, vertically below P. A force of 200 N is then applied vertically upwards to P causing it to
accelerate at 1.2 ms-2. Assuming there is a resistance to the motion of each of the bricks of magnitude R N,
find
a. the value of R.
b. the tension in the string connecting the bricks.
c. After 3 seconds, P reached at point X which is vertically above P at X. The force is removed. Find the
further distance moved by P above X.

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12. The diagram shows a block P of mass 150 kg suspended by a vertical cable. A block Q
of mass 400 kg is suspended from P by means of a second vertical cable. The blocks are
raised 15 m in 5 s, starting from rest. Find the tension in each cable.
Initially the particle Q is 10 m above the ground. Calculate the greatest height of Q
above the ground if the string is broken 8 s after the system is released.

13. The diagram shows a particle A of mass 0.5 kg suspended by a vertical string. A particle B of
mass 0.4 kg is suspended from A by means of another string. A force of 10 N is applied to the
upper string and the particles move upwards. Find the tension in the lower string and the
acceleration of the system.

[a = 1.31; T = 4.44]

14. The diagram shows a block A of mass 100 kg suspended by a vertical cable. A block B of
mass 150 kg is suspended from A by means of a second vertical cable. The blocks are
raised 10 m in 10 seconds, starting from rest. Find the tension in each cable.

[a = 0.2; T = 1500]

15. The diagram shows a particle P of mass 12 kg suspended by a vertical string. A particle Q of
mass 8 kg is suspended from P by means of another string. A force of 350 N is applied to
the upper string and the particles move upwards. Find the tension in the lower string and the
acceleration of the system.
After 5s, the string between P and Q breaks. Calculate the further distance moved by the
particle Q upward before it comes to an instantaneous rest.

[a = 7.7; T = 140; s = 75.625]

16. Two particles P and Q of masses 3 kg and 6 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. The string passes over a smooth fixed pulley. The system is released from rest with both masses at a
distance of 2 m above the horizontal floor.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of Q.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) How long does it take for Q to hit the floor?
e) Find the velocity of P when Q reaches the ground.
f) Find the further distance moved by P upward after Q reaches the ground.
g) Find the greatest height of P above the floor.
h) Find the time between the instant when Q strikes the ground and the string becomes taut again.
i) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
j) How have you used the assumption that the string is light and inextensible?
k) How have you used the assumption that the pulley is smooth?

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17. For the case below, find the:
(i) Force equation for both particles
(ii) Tension on the string and acceleration for both particles

18. Particle A and B, of masses 0.5 kg and 𝑚 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a
light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. Particle 𝐵 is held
at rest on the horizontal floor and particle 𝐴 hangs in equilibrium (see diagram). 𝐵 is
released.
The speed of each particle when 𝐴 hits the floor is 5 ms−1.
(i) For the motion while A is moving downwards, find
a) The acceleration of 𝐴,
b) The tension in the string.
(ii) Find the value of 𝑚.

19. Particles P and Q, of masses 2m and 3m, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string
passes over a small smooth fixed pulley and the masses hang with the string taut. The system is released from
rest.
a) Find the acceleration of each mass.
b) Find the tension in the string.
[a = 1.96; T = 23.52]

20. Particles P and Q of masses 2m and m respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string which
passes over a smooth fixed pulley . They both hang at a distance of 2 m above horizontal ground. The system
is released from rest.
a) Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the system.
b) Find the speed of P as it hits the ground.
[a = 3.27; v = 3.63]

21. Particles A and B, of masses 3 kg and 5 kg, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string
passes over a small smooth fixed pulley and the masses hang with the string taut. The system is released from
rest.
a) Find the acceleration of each mass.
b) Find the tension in the string.
[a = 2.45; T = 36.75]

22. Two particles A and B of masses 2 kg and 5 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. The string passes over a smooth fixed pulley. The system is released from rest with both masses at a
distance of 3 metre above the horizontal floor.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of B.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) How long does it take for B to hit the floor?
e) Find the velocity of A when B reaches the ground.
f) Find the further distance moved by A upward after B reaches the ground.
g) Find the greatest height of A above the floor.
h) Find the time between the instant when B strikes the ground and the string becomes taut again.
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 i) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
j) How have you used the assumption that the string is light and inextensible?
k) How have you used the assumption that the pulley is smooth?
[b. a = 4.2; c. T = 28; d. t = 1.2; e. v = 5.04;f. s = 1.3; g. s = 7.3; h. t = 1.03; i. F = 56]

23. Two particles P and Q of masses 3 kg and 6 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. The string passes over a smooth fixed pulley. The system is released from rest with both masses at a
distance of 2 m above the horizontal floor.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of Q.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
When the system is moving for 0.5 seconds, the string breaks.
e) Find the velocity of P when the string breaks.
f) Find the further distance moved by P upward.
g) Find the greatest height of P above the ground.
h) Find the further time that elapses before P hits the floor.
i) Find the total travelling time of Q.
j) How have you used the assumption that the string is light and inextensible?
k) How have you used the assumption that the pulley is smooth?

[b. a = 3.27; c. T = 39.2; d. F = 78.4; e. v = 1.635;f. s = 0.136; g. s = 2.55; h. t = 0.888; i. t = 0.927]

24. Two particles A and B of masses 2 kg and 5kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. The string passes over a smooth fixed pulley. The system is released from rest with both masses at a
distance of 3 metre above the horizontal floor.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of B.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
When the system is moving for 0.5 seconds, the string breaks.
e) Find the velocity of A when the string breaks.
f) Find the further distance moved by A upward.
g) Find the greatest height of A above the ground.
h) Find the further time that elapses before A hits the floor.
i) Find the total travelling time of B.
j) How have you used the assumption that the string is light and inextensible?
k) How have you used the assumption that the pulley is smooth?

[b. a = 4.2; c. T = 28; d. F = 56; e. v = 2.1; f. s = 0.225; g. s = 3.75; h. t = 1.09; i. t = 1.03]

25. Two particles P and Q of masses 1 kg and 2 kg respectively are hanging vertically from the ends of a light
inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. The system is released from rest with both
particles at a distance of 1.5 m above the floor. When the masses have been moving for 0.5 s the string breaks.
Find the further time that elapses before P hits the floor.
[t = 0.81]

26. Two particles P and Q of masses 0.5 kg and 0.7 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. Particle P rests on rough horizontal table 1 metre from a small light smooth pulley, fixed at the edge of
the table which is 0.9 metre high. Q hangs freely below the pulley with a distance of 0.75 metre above

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 horizontal floor. The coefficient of friction between P and the table is 0.35. The particles are released from
rest with the string taut.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of Q.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) How long does it take for Q to reach the floor.
e) Find the velocity of P when Q reaches the ground.
f) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
[b. a = 4.29; c. T = 3.86; d.t = 0.59; e. v = 2.53; f. F = 5.46]

27. Two particles P and Q of masses 0.5 kg and 0.7 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light
inextensible string. Particle P rests on rough horizontal table 1 metre from a small light smooth
pulley, fixed at the edge of the table which is 0.9 metre high. Q hangs freely below the pulley with a
distance of 0.75 metre above horizontal floor. The coefficient of friction between P and the table is
0.35. The particles are released from rest with the string taut.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of Q.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
When the system is moving for 0.5 seconds, the string breaks.
e) Find the velocity of P when the string breaks.
f) Find the further time that elapses before P hits the floor.
g) Find the total travelling time of Q.
[b. a = 4.29; c. T = 3.86; d.F = 5.46; e. v = 2.145; f.t = 0.707;g.t = 0.584]

28. In the following diagram, the block is at rest and is connected by a light string
passing over a smooth pulley. Any hanging portion of a string is vertical and any
other portion is parallel to the surface. The surface is rough and horizontal. Find the
(i) Force equation for both particles
(ii) Tension on the string and magnitude of any frictional force
(iii) Magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on the pulley

29. A block of wood A of mass 0.5 kg rests on a rough horizontal table and is attached to one end of a light
inextensible string. The string passes over a small smooth pulley P fixed at the edge of the table. The other
end of the string is attached to a ball B of mass 0.8 kg which hangs freely below the pulley, as shown in
figure. The coefficient of friction between A and the table is 𝜇. The system is released from rest with the string
taut. After release, B descends a distance of 0.4 m in 0.5 s. Modelling A and B as particles, calculate:
a) the acceleration of B,
b) the tension in the string,
c) the value of 𝜇.
[a. a = 3.2;b. T = 5.28; c. µ = 0.75]

30. Two particles C and D of masses 0.2 kg and 0.5 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. Particle C rests on rough horizontal table 1 metre from a small light smooth pulley, fixed at the edge of
the table which is 1.5 metre high. D hangs freely below the pulley with a distance of 1 metre above horizontal
floor. The coefficient of friction between C and the table is 0.35. The particles are released from rest with the
string taut.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of D.

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 c) Find the tension in the string.
d) How long does it take for D to reach the floor?
e) Find the velocity of C when D reaches the ground.
f) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
[b. a = 6.02; c. T = 1.89; d.t = 0.58; e. v = 3.49; f.F = 2.67]

31. Two particles C and D of masses 0.2 kg and 0.5 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light
inextensible string. Particle C rests on rough horizontal table 1 metre from a small light smooth pulley, fixed
at the edge of the table which is 1.5 metre high. D hangs freely below the pulley with a distance of 1 metre
above horizontal floor. The coefficient of friction between P and the table is 0.35. The particles are released
from rest with the string taut.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of D.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
When the system is moving for 0.5 seconds, the string breaks.
e) Find the velocity of C when the string breaks.
f) Find the further time that elapses before C hits the floor.
g) Find the total travelling time of D.
[b. a = 6.02; c. T = 1.89; d. F = 2.67; e. v = 3.01; f. t = 0.64; g. t = 0.573]

32. Two particles A and B, of mass 8 kg and 10 kg respectively are connected by a light inextensible string which
passes over a light smooth pulley P. Particle B rests on a smooth horizontal table and A rests on a smooth
plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal with the string taut and perpendicular to the line of intersection of the
table and the plane as shown in the figure. The system is released from rest. Find:
a) the magnitude of the acceleration of B.
b) the tension in the string.
c) the distance covered by B in the first two seconds of motion, given that B does not reach the pulley.
d) the force exerted on the string by the pulley.
[a. a = 2.18; b. T =21.8; c. s = 4.36]

33. In the following diagram, the block is at rest and is connected by a light
string passing over a smooth pulley. Find the
(i) Force equation for both particles
(ii) Tension on the string and magnitude of any frictional force
(iii) Magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on the pulley

34. As shown in the diagram, a particle 𝐴 of mass

1.6 𝑘𝑔 lies on a horizontal plane and a particle 𝐵
of mass 2.4 𝑘𝑔 lies on a plane inclined at an angle
of 30° to the horizontal. The particles are
connected by a light inextensible string which
passes over a small smooth pulley 𝑃 fixed at the top of the inclined plane. The distance 𝐴𝑃 is 2.5 m and the
distance of 𝐵 from the bottom of the inclined plane is 1 m. There is a barrier at the bottom of the inclined
plane preventing any further motion of 𝐵. The part 𝐵𝑃 of the string is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the
inclined plane. The particles are released from rest with both parts of the string taut.

a) Given that both planes are smooth, find the acceleration of 𝐴 and the tension in the string
b) It is given instead that the horizontal plane is rough and that the coefficient of friction between 𝐴 and the
horizontal plane is 0.2. The inclined plane is smooth. Find the total distance travelled by 𝐴.

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35. Two particles, P and Q, with masses 2m and m respectively, are
attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string
passes over a small smooth pulley which is fixed at the edge of
a rough horizontal table. Particle Q is held at rest on the table
and particle P is on the surface of a smooth inclined plane. The
top of the plane coincides with the edge of the table. The plane is inclined to the horizontal at an
3
angle α, where tan 𝛼 = 4, as shown in the figure. The string lies in a vertical plane containing the
pulley and a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between Q and the table
is ½. Particle Q is released from rest with the string taut and P begins to slide down the plane.
(a) By writing down an equation of motion for each particle,
(i) find the initial acceleration of the system,
(ii) find the tension in the string.
Suppose now that the coefficient of friction between Q and the table is μ and when Q is released it remains at
rest.
(b) Find the smallest possible value of μ.

36. Two particles P and Q of masses 3 kg and 6 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. Particle P lies on a rough plane inclined at an angle 𝜃 to the horizontal, where sin 𝜃 = 0.6. The string
passes over a small light smooth pulley A fixed at the top of the plane. Particle Q hangs freely below A with a
distance of 2 meter above horizontal floor. The particles are released from rest with string taut and the section
of the string from P to A is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between
P and the plane is 0.2.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of Q.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) How long does it take for Q to reach the floor.
e) Find the velocity of P when Q reaches the ground.
f) Find the further distance moved by P upward after Q reaches the ground.
g) Find the time between the instant when Q strikes the ground and the string becomes taut again.
h) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
[b. a = 4.05; c. T = 34.5; d. t = 0.994; e. v = 4.03; f.s = 1.09; g. t = 1.25; h. F = 61.7]

37. Two particles P and Q of masses 3 kg and 6 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. Particle P lies on a rough plane inclined at an angle 𝜃 to the horizontal, where𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 = 0.6. The string
passes over a small light smooth pulley A fixed at the top of the plane. Particle Q hangs freely below A with a
distance of 2 meter above horizontal floor. The particles are released from rest with string taut and the section
of the string from P to A is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between
P and the plane is 0.2.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of Q.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
When the system is moving for 0.5 second, the string breaks.
e) Find the velocity of P when the string breaks.
f) Find the further distance moved by P upward.
g) Find the total travelling time of Q.
[b. a = 4.05; c. T = 34.5; d. F = 61.7; e. v = 2.025; f. s = 0.506; g. t = 0.88]

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38. In the following diagram, the block is at rest and is connected by a light string
passing over a smooth pulley. Find the
(i) Force equation for both particles
(ii) Tension on the string and magnitude of any frictional force
(iii) Magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on the pulley.

39. Two particles C and D of masses 2 kg and 5 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. Particle C lies on a rough plane inclined at an angle 𝜃 to the horizontal, where sin 𝜃 = 0.8. The string
passes over a small light smooth pulley A fixed at the top of the plane. Particle D hangs freely below A with a
distance of 1 meter above horizontal floor. The particles are released from rest with string taut and the section
of the string from C to A is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between
C and the plane is 0.2.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of D.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) How long does it take for D to reach the floor.
e) Find the velocity of C when D reaches the ground.
f) Find the further distance moved by P upward after D reaches the ground.
g) Find the time between the instant when D strikes the ground and the string becomes taut again.
h) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
[b. a = 4.424; c. T = 26.88; d. t = 0.672; e. v = 2.97; f. s = 0.489; g. t = 0.712; h. F = 51]

40. Two particles C and D of masses 2 kg and 5 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string. Particle C lies on a rough plane inclined at an angle 𝜃 to the horizontal, where sin 𝜃 = 0.8. The string
passes over a small light smooth pulley A fixed at the top of the plane. Particle D hangs freely below A with a
distance of 1 meter above horizontal floor. The particles are released from rest with string taut and the section
of the string from C to A is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between
C and the plane is 0.2.
a) Draw a diagram to represent the particles.
b) Find the acceleration of D.
c) Find the tension in the string.
d) Find the total force exerted on the pulley.
When the system is moving for 0.4 second, the string breaks.
e) Find the velocity of C when the string breaks.
f) Find the further distance moved by C upward.
g) Find the total travelling time of D.
[b. a = 4.424; c. T = 26.88; d. F = 51; e. v = 1.77; f. s = 0.174; g. t = 0.625]

41. One end of a light inextensible string is attached to a block P of

mass 5 kg. The block P is held at rest on a smooth fixed plane
3
which is inclined to the horizontal at an angle 𝛼, where 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛼 = 5.
The string lies along a line of greatest slope of the plane and passes
over a smooth pulley which is fixed at the top of the plane. The
other end of the string is attached to a light scale pan which carries
two blocks Q is 5 kg and the mass of block Q on top of block R, as
shown in the figure. The mass of block Q is 5 kg and the mass of
block R is 10 kg. The scale pan hangs at rest and the system is released from rest. By modeling the blocks as
particles, ignoring air resistance and assuming the motion is uninterrupted. Find:
a. i. the acceleration of the scale pan ii. the tension in the string.
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 b. the magnitude of the force exerted on block Q by block R.
c. the magnitude of the force exerted on the pulley by the string.
[a. (i) a = 5.88 (ii) T = 58.8; b. F = 19.6;c. F = 105.2]

42. A fixed wedge has two plane forces, each inclined at 30°
to the horizontal. Two particles A and B, of mass 3m and
m respectively, are attached to the ends of a light
inextensible string. Each particle moves on one of the
plane faces of the wedge. The string passes over a smooth
light pulley fixed at the top of the wedge. The face on
which B moves is rough. The coefficient of friction
between B and this face is 𝜇. Particle A is held at rest
with the string taut. The string lies in the same vertical plane as lines of greatest slope on each plane face of
the wedge, as shown in the figure.
The particles are released from rest and start to move. Particle A moves downward and particle B moves
1
upward. The acceleration of A and B each have magnitude 10 𝑔.
a) By considering the motion of A, find, in terms of m and g, the tension in the string.
b) By considering the motion of B, find the value of 𝜇.
c) Find the resultant force exerted by the string on the pulley, giving its magnitude and direction.

6 6
[a. T = mg; b.µ = 0.693;c. F = mg]
5 5

43. In the following case, consider coefficient of friction to be 0.5, where

it is mentioned that the surface is rough. Particle 𝐴 is moving
downwards. Find
(i) Force equation for both particles
(ii) Tension on the string and acceleration for both particles
(iii) Magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on the
pulley.

44. A wedge has two smooth sloping faces; one face makes an
angle 30° with the horizontal and the other makes an angle
60° with the horizontal. A small smooth pulley is fixed at the
apex of the wedge. A light inextensible string passes over the
pulley and lies parallel to the faces of the wedge. At each end
of the string there is a particle of mass 0.3 kg. The system is
released from rest.
3
a) Show that the tension in the string is 4(1+ N.
√3)
b) Work out the resultant horizontal force on each of the particles.

45. A particle P of mass 4 kg is attached to one end of a light

inextensible string. A particle Q of mass m kg is attached to
the other end of the string. The string passes over a small
smooth pulley which is fixed at a point on the intersection of
two fixed inclined planes. The string lies in a vertical plane
that contains a line of greatest slope of each of the two inclined

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 planes. The first plane is inclined to the horizontal at an angle 𝛼, where tan 𝛼 = ¾ and the second plane is
4
inclined to the horizontal at an angle 𝛽, where tan 𝛽 = . Particle P is on the first plane and particle Q is on the
3
second plane with the string taut, as shown in the figure. The first plane is rough and the coefficient of friction
between P and the plane is ¼. The second plane is smooth. The system is in limiting equilibrium.
Given that P is on the point of slipping down the first plane,
(a) find the value of m,
(b) find the magnitude of the force exerted on the pulley by the string,
(c) find the direction of the force exerted on the pulley by the string.

46. The figure shows a block P of mass 0.6 kg resting on the smooth
surface of a horizontal table. Inextensible light strings connect P to
blocks A and B which hang freely over light smooth pulleys placed
at opposite parallel edges of the table. The masses of A and B are
0.3 kg and 0.5 kg respectively. All portions of the string are taut
and perpendicular to their respective edges of the table. The system
is released from rest. Calculate:
a) the common magnitude of the accelerations of the blocks.
b) the tension in the strings
[a. a = 1.4;b.T1 = 3.36;T2 = 4.2]

47. In the following diagram, the block is at rest and is connected by a light
string passing over a smooth pulley. The surface is rough and horizontal.
Find the
(i) Force equation for both particles
(ii) Tension on the string and magnitude of any frictional force
(iii) Magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on the pulley.

48. The figure shows a particle A of mass 0.2 kg held at rest on a smooth
roof inclined at 30° to the horizontal. Particle A is attached to one end
of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth pulley at the
edge of the roof. A particle B of mass 0.3 kg is attached to the other
end of the string and hangs freely at rest. Particle A is 3.8 m from the
pulley and particle B is 2 m above the horizontal ground. The system
is released from rest.
a) Find the acceleration of each particle while the string remains
taut.
b) Find the speed with which B strikes the floor.
Assuming that B is brought to rest when it strikes the floor,
c) find the speed with which A reaches the pulley.
In this problem several mathematical models have been used.
d) Identify three of these and briefly describe the assumptions which have been made in using these
models.

49. In the following case, consider coefficient of friction to be 0.5.

Particle 𝐵 is moving downwards. Find
i) Force equation for both particles
ii) Tension on the string and acceleration for both particles
iii) Magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on the
pulley.

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50. An elevator is carrying a trolley of mass 30 kg downwards, accelerating at a constant rate from rest to 7 ms−1
in 2 s. Find the size of the normal contact force on the trolley.
[M1 book; Ex 2D; No.3]

51. A man of mass 80 𝑘𝑔 and a woman of mass 70 𝑘𝑔 are travelling in a lift of mass 500 𝑘𝑔. The tension in the
cable pulling the lift upwards is 6890 𝑁. Calculate the acceleration of the lift and the reaction forces between
the lift floor and each of the passengers.
[M1 book, worked example 5.7; pg 122]

52. A box of mass 20 kg sits on the floor of a lift. A second box of mass 10 kg sits on top of the first box and a
third box of mass 5 kg sits on top of the second box. When the tension in the lift cable is 4620 N, the lift is
accelerating upwards at 0.5 𝑚𝑠 −2 .
a) Work out the mass of the lift.
b) Work out the reaction between the floor of the list and the first box.
c) Work out the reaction between the first box and the second box.
d) Work out the reaction between the second box and the third box.

53. A box of mass 5 kg sits in a lift. A second box of mass 3 kg sits on the first box. The lift accelerates upwards
with acceleration 0.7 𝑚𝑠 −2 .
a) Work out the contact force between the two boxes.
The tension in the lift cable is unchanged but the boxes are swapped over, so the first box sits on the second
box.

b) Show that this increase the contact force between the boxes.
[M1 book; Ex 5C; No. 8]

54. An elevator is carrying a child of mass 40 kg downwards. It is travelling at 8 ms−1 and starts to slow down at
constant acceleration when it is 6.25 m from where it stops. Find the size of the normal contact force on the
child.
[M1 book; Ex 2D; No.4]

55. A woman of mass 50 kg is travelling in a lift of mass 450 kg. The tension in the cable pulling the lift upwards
is 5250 N. Calculate the acceleration of the lift.
[M1 book, worked example 5.6; pg 122]

56. A crate of mass 20 kg is put into a lift. The mass of the lift is 300 kg. Find the tension in the lift cable:
a) When the lift accelerates upwards at 0.3 𝑚𝑠 −2
b) When the lift travels at constant speed
c) When the lift accelerates downwards at 0.3 𝑚𝑠 −2 .
[M1 book; Ex 5C; No. 2]

57. A crate of mass 𝑚 kg is put into a lift. The lift accelerates upwards at 𝑎 𝑚𝑠 −2 . the mass of the lift is 𝑀 kg.
a) Find the tension in the lift cable.
b) Find the contact force between the lift floor and the crate.
[M1 book; Ex 5C; No. 7]

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 TOPICAL QUESTION PAPER
Chapter 5: Connected Particles
Note:
These problems are taken from Topic 5 of Topical QP Book.
Questions are numbered according to the order of Topical QP Book.

1) Particles 𝑃 and 𝑄 are attached to opposite ends of a light

inextensible string. 𝑃 is at rest on a rough horizontal table. The
string passes over a small smooth pulley which is fixed at the
edge of the table. 𝑄 hangs vertically below the pulley (see
diagram). The force exerted on the string by the pulley has
magnitude 4√2𝑁. The coefficient of friction between 𝑃 and the
table is 0.8.
i) Show that the tension in the string is 4 N and state the
mass of 𝑄.
ii) Given that 𝑃 is on the point of slipping, find its mass.
A particle of mass 0.1 kg is now attached to 𝑄 and the system starts to move.

iii) Find the tension in the string while the particle are in motion.
[J06/M1/Q5]
Answer:
i) Mass of 𝑄 = 0.4 kg
ii) Mass of 𝑃 = 0.5 kg
iii) Tension in the string = 4.5 𝑁

2) Particle 𝑃 and 𝑄, of mass 0.6 kg and 0.2 kg respectively, are attached to the
ends of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed peg. The
particles are held at rest with the string taut. Both particles are at a height of
0.9 m above the ground (see diagram). The system is released and each of
the particles moves vertically.
Find
i) The acceleration of 𝑃 and the tension in the string before 𝑃 reaches
the ground.
ii) The time taken for 𝑃 to reach the ground.

[J07/M1/Q4]
Answer:
4
i) 𝑎 = 0.8 = 5 𝑚𝑠 −2
ii) required time = 0.6 seconds

3) A rough inclined plane of length 65 𝑐𝑚 is fixed

with one end at a height of 16 𝑐𝑚 above the other
end. Particle 𝑃 and 𝑄, of masses of 0.13 kg and 0.11
kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a light
inextensible string which passes over a small
smooth pulley at the top of the plane. Particle 𝑃 is

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 held at rest on the plane and particle 𝑄 hangs vertically below the pulley (see diagram). The system is released
from rest and 𝑃 starts to move up the plane.
i) Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on 𝑃 during its motion up the plane.
ii) Show that 𝑇 − 𝐹 > 0.32, where 𝑇𝑁 is the tension in the string and 𝐹𝑁 is the magnitude of the frictional
force on 𝑃.
The coefficient of friction between 𝑃 and the plane is 0.6.

iii) Find the acceleration of 𝑃.

[N07/M1/Q7]
Answer:
i)
ii) 𝑇 − 𝐹 > 0.32
iii) Acceleration of 𝑃 = 0.1 𝑚𝑠 −2

4) A block 𝐵 of mass 0.6 kg and a particle 𝐴 of mass 0.4

kg are attached to opposite ends of a light inextensible
string. The block is held at rest on a rough horizontal
table, and the coefficient of friction between the block
and the table is 0.5. The string passes over a small
smooth pulley 𝐶 at the edge of the table and 𝐴 hags in
equilibrium vertically below 𝐶. The part of the string
between 𝐵 and 𝐶 is horizontal and the distance
vertically 3 𝑚 (see diagram). B is released and the system starts to move.
i) Find the acceleration of 𝐵 and the tension in the string.
ii) Find the time taken for 𝐵 to reach the pulley.
[J08/M1/Q5]
Answer:
i) 3.6 𝑁
ii) 2.45 s

5) Particle A and B, of masses 0.5 kg and 𝑚 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of
a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. Particle 𝐵 is
held at rest on the horizontal floor and particle 𝐴 hangs in equilibrium (see
diagram). 𝐵 is released. The speed of each particle when 𝐴 hits the floor is 5 𝑚𝑠 −1.
(i) For the motion while A is moving downwards, find
(a) The acceleration of 𝐴
(b) The tension in the string.
(ii) Find the value of 𝑚.
[N08/M1/Q5]
Answer:
i) a) 𝑎 = 2.5 𝑚𝑠 −1
b) 𝑇 = 3.75 𝑁
ii) 𝑚 = 0.3 𝑘g

6) A block 𝐵 of mass 5 kg is attached to one end of a light inextensible string.

A particle 𝑃 of mass 4 kg is attached to other end of the string. The string
passes over a smooth pulley. The system is in equilibrium with the string
taut and its straight parts vertical. 𝐵 is at rest on the ground (see diagram).
State the tension in the string and find the force exerted on 𝐵 by the ground.
[J09/M1/Q1]
Answer: 40 N, 10 N
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7) Particle 𝐴 and 𝐵 are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string which passes
over a smooth pulley. The system is held at rest with the string taut and its straight
parts vertical. Both particles are at a height of 0.36 m above the floor (see
diagram). The system is released and 𝐴 begins to fall, reaching the floor after 0.6 s.
i) Find the acceleration of 𝐴 as if falls.
The mass of 𝐴 is 0.45 kg. Find
ii) The tension in the string while 𝐴 is falling.
iii) The mass of 𝐵,
iv) The maximum height above the floor reached by 𝐵.
[J09/M1/Q6]
Answer:
i) 𝑎 = 2 𝑚𝑠 −2
ii) 𝑇 = 3.6 𝑁
iii) Mass of 𝐵 = 0.3 kg

8) Particles 𝐴 and 𝐵, of masses 0.3 kg and 0.7 kg respectively, are attached to the ends
of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. Particle 𝐴 is
held on the horizontal floor and particle 𝐵 hangs in equilibrium. Particle 𝐴 is
released and both particles start to move vertically.
i) Find the acceleration of the particles.
The speed of the particles immediately before 𝐵 hits the floor is 1.6 𝑚𝑠 −1 . Given
that 𝐵 does not rebound upwards, find

ii) The maximum height above the floor reached by 𝐴,

iii) The time taken by 𝐴, from leaving the floor, to reach this maximum height.
[N09/M1/Q6]
Answer:
i) 𝑎 = 4 𝑚𝑠 −2
ii) 0.56 seconds

9) Particle 𝐴 and 𝐵, of masses 0.2 kg and 0.45 kg respectively, are

connected by a light inextensible string of length 2.8 m. The string
passes over a small smooth pulley at the contact with the horizontal
surface, which is 2 m above the floor. Particle 𝐴 is held in contact
with the surface at a distance of 2.1 m from the pulley and particle 𝐵
hangs freely (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between 𝐴 and
the surface is 0.3. Particle 𝐴 is released and the system begins to
move.
i) Find the acceleration of the particles and show that the speed
of 𝐵 immediately before it hits the floor is 3.95 𝑚𝑠 −1 , correct to 3 significant figures.
ii) Given that 𝐵 remains on the floor, find the speed with which 𝐴 reaches the pulley.
[J10/M1/Q6]
Answer:
i) 6 𝑚𝑠 −2
ii) 3.29 𝑚𝑠 −1

10) Particle 𝐴 and 𝐵, of mass 0.9 kg and 0.6 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string.
The string passes over a fixed smooth pulley. The system is released from rest with the string taut, with its

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 straight parts vertical and with the particles at the same height above the horizontal floor. In the subsequent
motion, 𝐵 does not reach the pulley.
i) Find the acceleration of 𝐴 and the tension in the string during the motion before 𝐴 hits the floor.
After 𝐴 hits the floor, 𝐵 continues to move vertically upwards for a further 0.3 s.
ii) Find the height of the particles above the floor at the instant that they started to move.
[N11/M1/Q5]
Answer:
i) 2 m/s², 7.2 N
ii) 2.25 m

11) A block A of mass 3 kg is attached to one end of a light inextensible string 𝑆1 . Another
block B of mass 2 kg is attached to the other end of 𝑆1 , and is also attached to one end of
another light inextensible string 𝑆2 . The other end of 𝑆2 is attached to a fixed point 𝑂 and
the blocks hang in equilibrium below 𝑂 (see diagram).
i) Find the tension in 𝑆1 and the tension in 𝑆2 .
The string 𝑆2 breaks and the particles fall. The air resistance on 𝐴 is 1.6 N and the air
resistance on 𝐵 is 4 N.

ii) Find the acceleration of the particles and the tension is 𝑆1 .

[J12/M1/Q5]
Answer:
i) 50 𝑁
ii) 8.88 m/s², 1.76 𝑁

12) Particles A and B of masses 𝑚 kg and (1 − 𝑚) kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string which passes over a fixed smooth pulley. The system is released from rest with the straight parts of the
string vertical. A moves vertically downwards and 0.3 seconds later it has speed 0.6 𝑚𝑠 −1 . Find
i) The acceleration of A.
ii) The value of 𝑚 and the tension in the string.
[N12/M1/Q2]
Answer:
i) 𝑎 = 2 𝑚𝑠 −2
ii) 𝑇 = 4.8 𝑁

13) Particle A of mass 0.26 kg and B of mass

0.52 kg are attached to the ends of a light
inextensible string. The string passes over a
small smooth pulley P which is fixed at the
top of a smooth plane. The plane is inclined
at an angle 𝛼 to the horizontal, where
16 63
sin 𝛼 = 65 and cos 𝛼 = 65 . 𝐴 is held at rest at a point 2.5 metres from 𝑃, with the part 𝐴𝑃 at a point 0.6 m above
the floor (see diagram). A is released and the particles start to move. Find
i) The magnitude of the acceleration of the particle and the tension in the string.
ii) The speed with which B reaches the floor and the distance of 𝐴 from 𝑃 when 𝐴 comes to instantaneous
rest.
[J13/M1/Q7]
Answer:
i) 𝑇 = 2.16 𝑁
ii) Distance of 𝐴 from 𝑃 = 0.475 𝑚
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14) Particles 𝐴 of mass 0.4 kg and 𝐵 of mass 1.6 kg are attached to the ends of a
light inextensible string which passes over a fixed smooth pulley. 𝐴 is held at
rest and 𝐵 hangs freely, with both straight parts of the string vertical and
both particles at a height of 1.2 𝑚 above the floor (see diagram). 𝐴 is
released and both particles start to move.
i) Find the work done on 𝐵 by the tension in the string, as 𝐵 moves to
the floor.
When particle 𝐵 reaches the floor it remains at rest. Particle A
continuous to move upwards.
ii) Find the greatest height above the floor reached by particle 𝐴.
[N13/M1/Q6]
Answer:
i) 7.68 J
ii) Greatest height above the floor reached by 𝐴 = 1.2 + 1.2 + 0.72 = 3.12 𝑚

15) A light inextensible string of length 5.28 has

particles A and B, of masses 0.25 kg and
0.75 kg respectively, attached to its ends.
Another particles P, of mass 0.5 kg is
attached to the mid-point of the string. Two
small smooth pulleys 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 are fixed at
opposite ends of a rough horizontal table of
length 4 𝑚 and height 1 m. The string
passes over 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 with particle 𝐴 held at rest vertically below 𝑃1 , the string taut and B hanging freely below
𝑃2 . Particle 𝑃 is in contact with the table halfway between 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 (see diagram). The coefficient of friction
between 𝑃 and the table is 0.4. Particle 𝐴 is released and the system starts to move with to move with constant
acceleration of magnitude 𝑎 𝑚𝑠 −2 . The tension in the part 𝐴𝑃 of the string is 𝑇𝐴 N and the tension in the part
𝑃𝐵 of the string is 𝑇𝐵 N.
i) Find 𝑇𝐴 and 𝑇𝐵 in terms of 𝑎.
ii) Show by considering the motion of 𝑃 of that 𝑎 = 2.
iii) Find the speed of the particles immediately before 𝐵 reaches the floor.
iv) Find the deceleration of 𝑃 immediately after 𝐵 reaches the floor.
[J14/M1/Q7]
Answer:
i) 𝑇𝐵 = 7.5 − 0.75𝑎
ii) 𝑎 = 2 𝑚𝑠 −2
iii) Speed of the particle before 𝐵 reaches the floor = 1.2 𝑚𝑠 −1.
iv) Required deceleration of 𝑃 = 6 𝑚 𝑠 −2

16) Particle 𝐴 and 𝐵, each of mass 0.3 kg, are connected by a light
inextensible string. The string passes over a small smooth pulley
fixed at the edge of a rough horizontal surface. Particle 𝐴 hangs
freely and particle 𝐵 is held at rest in contact with the surface (see
diagram). The coefficient of friction between 𝐵 and the surface is 0.7.
Particle 𝐵 is released and moves on the surface without reaching the
pulley.
i) Find, for the 0.9 m of 𝐵′𝑠 motion.
a) The work done against the frictional force acting on 𝐵,
b) The loss of potential energy of the system.
c) The gain in kinetic energy of the system.

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 At the instant when 𝐵 has moved 0.9 m the string breaks. 𝐴 is at a height of 0.4m above a horizontal floor at this
instant.
ii) Find the speed with which 𝐴 reaches the floor.
[N14/M1/Q5]
Answer:
i)
a) = (0.7)(3) × 0.9 = 1.89 𝐽
b) = (0.3)(10)(0.9) = 2.7 𝐽
1
c) = 2 (0.3)(2.7 + 2.7) = 0.81 𝐽
ii) = 3.67 𝑚𝑠 −1

17) Two particles 𝑃 and 𝑄 have masses 𝑚 kg and

(1 − 𝑚) kg respectively. The particles are
attached to the ends of a light inextensible
string which passes over a smooth fixed
pulley. 𝑃 is held at rest with the string taut and
both straight parts of the string vertical. 𝑃 and
𝑄 are each at a height of ℎ m above horizontal
ground (see Fig. 1). 𝑃 is released and 𝑄 moves
downwards. Subsequently 𝑄 hits the ground
and comes to rest. Fig. 2 shows the velocity
time graph for 𝑃 while 𝑄 is moving downwards or is at rest on the ground.
i) Find the value of ℎ.
ii) Find the value of 𝑚, and find also the tension in the string while 𝑄 is moving.
iii) The string is slack while 𝑄 is at rest on the ground. Find the total time form the instant that 𝑃 is released
until the string becomes taut again.
[J15/M1/Q6]
Answer:
i) 0.5 𝑚
ii) 4.2 𝑁
iii) 0.9 𝑠

18) A smooth inclined plane of length 2.5 is fixed with

one end on the horizontal floor and the other end at
a height of 0.7 m above the floor. Particles 𝑃 and
𝑄, of mass 0.5 kg and 0.1 kg respectively, are
attached to the ends of a light inextensible string
which passes over a small smooth pulley fixed at
the top of the plane. Particle 𝑄 is held at rest on the
floor vertically below the pulley. The string is taut and 𝑃 is at rest on the plane (see diagram). 𝑄 is released and
starts to move vertically upwards towards the pulley and 𝑃 moves down the plane.
i) Find the tension in the string and the magnitude of the acceleration of the particles before 𝑄 reaches the
pulley.
At the instant just before 𝑄 reaches the pulley the string breaks; 𝑃 continues to move down the plane and
reaches the floor with a speed of 2 𝑚𝑠 −1 .

ii) Find the length of the string.

[N15/M1/Q5]
Answer:
i) = 1.066 ≈ 1.07
ii) = 1.95 𝑚

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19) A particle 𝐴 of mass 1.6 kg rests of a horizontal table
and is attached to one end of a light inextensible string.
The string passes over a small smooth pulley 𝑃 fixed at
the edge of the table. The other end of the string is
attached to a particle 𝐵 of mass 2.4 kg which hangs
freely below the pulley. The system is released from
rest with the string taut and with 𝐵 at a height of 0.5 m
above the ground, as shown in the diagram. In the subsequent motion 𝐴 does not reach 𝑃 before 𝐵 reaches the
ground.
i) Given that the table is smooth, find the time taken by 𝐵 to reach the ground.
3
ii) Given instead that the table is rough and that the coefficient of friction between 𝐴 and the table is 8, find
the total distance travelled by 𝐴. You may assume that 𝐴 does not reach the pulley.
[J16/M1/Q7]
Answer:
i) 0.408 seconds
ii) 1.099 𝑚 ≈ 1.1𝑚

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